(Iraqi) Group threatens to kill Bulgarians

[Khephra]

(CNN) -- An Iraqi insurgent group has threatened to behead two Bulgarian hostages within 24 hours if the United States does not release all prisoners in Iraq, according to a video aired by Al-Jazeera.

Video showed the two unidentified Bulgarians sitting down with their hands tied, while three armed masked men stood behind them.

The insurgents, calling themselves the Unification and Holy War group, read a statement telling the Bulgarian government its alliances with the U.S. government has jeopardized the safety of its citizens in Iraq.

The group, loyal to insurgency leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the beheading of U.S. businessman Nicholas Berg and South Korean translator Kim Sun-il.


http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/07/08/iraq.bulgaria/